The John Lennon Songwriting Contest 'Maxell Song of the Year' Goes to Canadian... -- NEW YORK, July 27 /PRNewswire/ --

The John Lennon Songwriting Contest 'Maxell Song of the Year' Goes to Canadian Duo, Madison Violet
The pair surpassed thousands of entries with 'The Ransom' to take top annual prize

NEW YORK, July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alternative Country duo, Madison Violet, has been announced the winner of the coveted "Maxell Song of the Year" from the 13th annual John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their original composition, "The Ransom." The duo made up of Brenely MacEachern, who sings the lead vocals on the track, and Lisa MacIsaac, who sings the harmony, will be awarded $20,000 courtesy of Maxell, in addition to other prizes.

Known for their extensive touring routine, Brenely started writing the song in Australia nearing the end of a 2 month long trip when she was longing for home. Lisa later helped her finish the song in Grenada. The pair recorded the song in Pro Tools with an acoustic guitar, a snare kick and hi-hat, an upright bass, an organ and a lapsteel guitar.

Both hailing from Scottish small towns in Canada, Brenely and Lisa have chosen a musical path that channels their parent's vintage record collection that compromised the likes of Neil Young and Dolly Parton.

A total of over $275,000 in cash and prizes will be distributed this year by the year-round contest open to both amateur and professional songwriters. Visit www.jlsc.com to listen to Madison Violet's winning song, download their photo and enter the current contest.

About the John Lennon Songwriting Contest

Celebrating its fourteenth year, The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is dedicated to providing opportunities to both professional and amateur songwriters. Winners in 12 categories receive awards and prizes totaling over $275,000. The $20,000Maxell Song of the Year is selected by a stellar Executive Committee including Elton John, Tim McGraw, Wyclef Jean, Bacon Brothers, Carlos Santana, Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, Natasha Badingfield, John Legend, Enrique Iglesias, Mary J. Blige, Nick Lachey, and many more. Sponsors of the Contest include Maxell, Apple Inc., Roland, Gibson, Epiphone Guitars, Avid, GHS Strings, Sonicbids, Mackie, Ampeg, Blackheart Amps, Propellerhead, Ableton, SAE Institute, Audio-Technica, Creative Allies, Digital Media Academy, musiciansfriend.com, and Disc Makers. The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is made possible by an agreement with Yoko Ono Lennon who said "I hope this Contest will encourage, inspire and help the songwriters of the world to share their dreams with us."